NEW YORK — The Rockies are moving toward an agreement on a three-year contract for manager Jim Tracy, according to a major-league source.

The team ramped up negotiations this week, but it might not become official until next week, because Major League Baseball frowns on clubs making announcements during the World Series.

General manager Dan O'Dowd is also in the final days of his existing contract. He is expected to receive a deal that will, at the minimum, match Tracy's in length.

Serving as an interim manager, Tracy guided the Rockies to a 74-42 record, erasing a 9 1/2-game deficit to earn the National League wild-card berth. The Rockies were eliminated by the Phillies in four games in a division series.

Tracy created stability in the everyday lineup, inserting Clint Barmes at second base and Ian Stewart at third. Tracy emphasized pitching and defense, and followed through with that philosophy by showing greater faith in his starters and strictly defining bullpen roles.

Taking care of O'Dowd and Tracy is the Rockies' first order of business this offseason. O'Dowd has deadline decisions approaching on reliever Rafael Betancourt and catcher Yorvit Torrealba. Betancourt has a $5 million club option for next season. The Rockies want him back, and could approach him with a multiyear deal as a way to bring down his salary in 2010.

Advertisement

Torrealba has a $4 million option for next season that must be picked up by five days after the end of the World Series. The Rockies want to re-sign him for less because there's no guarantee he will start ahead of Chris Iannetta. Torrealba, given his strong finish, might be tempted by free-agent offers if the option is declined.

Closer Huston Street has already been approached about a multiyear contract. And a similar proposal is expected for Barmes.

Rockies are on pace to lose 93 games this seasonThe Rockies lost three of four in St. Louis and are on pace to lose 93 games as they come home for a three-game series with Seattle before going back on the road again to face Washington.